By Vera Anyagafu

An Implementer of the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in Nigeria, Ambassador Victor Asije ,has called on more Nigerian young men and women to create much time for reading.

Asije reminded them that by reading they would become enviably transformed, enhance their talents, skills and businesses, education, and contribute to the political and socioeconomic development of their immediate communities, country, and the world.

 The Ambassador , who said that the only way more young Nigerians would live purposeful, meaningful and significant lives is to read, enjoined them to desist from seeking shortcuts, get rich quick syndrome or engaging in national and international criminal acts.

“Dear Nigerian young men and women, I have this unbeatable truth for you all, and that’s for you to know that ,you must urgently go back to reading books for  self-development, business successes, social intelligence, and be able to make landmark contributions to the overall development of Nigeria, and  become her good ambassadors abroad in the near future.

” I like you to know also that, without your interest in reading ,no matter your acquired pound sterlings,euros and dollars, cars, houses, you will always feel cheated, empty, inadequate, antisocial,low esteemed, not politically aware, and depressed.

“It has been well said that if one can read well,he or she can function more effectively in daily activities, achieve more satisfactorily in school learnings,satisfy emotional and intellectual needs, maintain better personal and social adjustment, appreciate better our cultural heritage, and be a better citizen.” he said.

The Envoy added that when more Nigerians read, they will pay less medical bills and legal fees,pay less for consultancy, excel in their jobs and professions, make good money,and will always be civil everywhere they go.

Asije ,who noted that  there are , however, other channels of education, stressed that reading culture would for a long time remain the best way to learning.

The UNESCO MIL Implementer cautioned young Nigerians against the misuse of their phones and other digital platforms, but to begin to cultivate the habit of reading positive life-transforming books online as well as buy hard copy books.

“From my interactions with some parents, they are so dejected with the endless hours their children  spend daily on their phones and other digital platforms, on unprofitable and self-destructive sites.

“As young Nigerians,we should begin to ask ourselves  such questions as,’What have I learnt today that will help me fulfill my purpose in life?. What books should I be reading that would to prepare me for helping myself ,family, contribute to the development of my country, Nigeria, and the world?’.”

“Dear Nigerian young men and women,by the time you are able to ask yourselves the above questions and answer them, you will begin to beam with enthusiasm in your studies, education and chosen fields.” he said.

The Ambassador also enjoined governments,religious organisations, professional bodies, community leaders,NGOs, educators, and especially parents, to ensure that children and youths devote much time to reading daily.

Asije charge Nigerian parents to reduce the time their children spend on their phones and watching television, and possibly engage with them after dinner in ‘read aloud’.

“Nigerian parents should as a matter  fact not leave everything about their children’s education to school teachers alone, because most children spend much time with their parents than with their teachers.

“One way parents should be contributing to their children education at home,is for them to begin to ‘read aloud’ to their children after dinner .

“Parents should also begin to encourage children who can read on their own, to spend much time reading rather than ,allowing them to stay long hours watching television or immerse themselves in the wrong use of their phones and other digital platforms.” he said.

The International Society of Diplomats (ISD) Special Emissary on Media to Nigeria assured young Nigerians of some embassies and international organisations’ willingness, to encourage more young Nigerians to acquire education through their exchange programmes with Nigeria.

Asije said that there are currently many educational exchange programmes from America, Europe, Asia and other countries, that Nigerian young men and women must avail themselves of.